Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
Athens High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian for the 2016 graduating class are Jonathan Bywaters and Allison Hardin. Bywaters earned a 4.0 grade point average and Hardin a 3.97. While GPA is critical in determining class rank, both also made their marks outside of the academic arena.
Bywaters was a standout member of the AHS “Pride of the Hornets” Band, where he played the alto saxophone, qualifying for state solo and ensemble competition every year of high school. He was also a veritable superstar on the math team, advancing to regionals all four years in number sense, calculator and general mathematics; and went to regionals in tennis twice. He also earned the Athens Public Education Foundation’s Superintendent Scholar Award all four years.
Hardin dominated in swim in the 100 and 200 freestyle, advancing to state as a junior in the 100, and missing a repeat state appearance this year by the merest fraction of a second. She also participated in track, cross country and triathlons, placing seventh her freshman year and eighth her sophomore year at the Texas State Triathlon championships in Houston. Her junior year, Hardin attended by invitation the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.
Bywaters is the second of four children and says that might have had some influence on his academic success. “We don’t compete all that much, but we do compete for grades,” he said. “So it’s made me a little better; it’s helped.”
He says his parents set high standards and then depended on him be his own motivation. “They’ve just told me to do the best I can and they’ll support me.”
Hardin cites a medical mission trip her freshman year with her father, Dr. Thad Hardin, for focusing her attention on a life in that profession. “I can’t see myself doing anything else,” she said.
Though she doesn’t know yet what field she might pursue, it seems the perfect fit for her life goals. “I want to make an impact on people,” she said. “I want to be someone who helps others.”
Bywaters said much the same: “I want to contribute something to the world, make it better somehow.”
Bywaters will be attending Texas A&M University and majoring in biology. He is the son of Dr. Dan and Leslie Bywaters and has three siblings: Jake, Michele and Macie.
Hardin will be attending and swimming for Trinity University and majoring in neuroscience. She is the daughter of Dr. Thad and Lisa Hardin and has two siblings: Gavin and Gage.